Leeds Rhinos fell to defeat against Leigh Leopards at Headingley today and with that loss paired with Hull FC’s large win over Wakefield Trinity, it could now spell the end to any playoff ambitions for the Rhinos.
The Rhinos sit four points outside of the top six with just twelve points available to play for meaning for Rohan Smith’s side to force their way into that top six then they’ll have to either win out or win at least five of those six games.
Leeds went behind just after the 20 minute mark when Edwin Ipape darted over from scrum half however Jarrod O’Connor then did the same and replied for Leeds before the half, sending the home side into the sheds 6-4 up.
Early in the second half Leeds lost their prop Justin Sangare and to make matters worse just minutes later Tom Amone crashed over to put the Leopards back in front and then Ben Reynolds added a penalty, making the score 12-6.
O’Connor thought he had his second in a similar instance but after Marcus Griffiths sent it to the video referee then it looked like the ball had been knocked loose and dropped, a superb effort from Leigh’s Jack Hughes.
The misery and disappointment of that try being denied was then compounded when Gareth O’Brien knocked over a drop goal with just six minutes left to put the game beyond the hands of the Rhinos at 13-6.
It’s a loss that leaves Rohan Smith’s men four points outside the top six with one fan labelling it a pathetic performance from top to bottom.
Pathetic
1 to 17 absolutely pathetic
No structure, no plan, no effort
Pathetic
— Stat Man Rhys (@statmanrhys) August 6, 2023
Many felt it was far too easy for Leigh, but also a reflection of how far the club have dropped from their days on top of Super League.
Nice little run out for Leigh. They went through the motions and beat us fairly comfortably. Not good enough for this club.
— Bradley Asquith (@BradAsquith7) August 6, 2023
The loss of Austin was referenced by some as well.
Absolutely abysmal losing Austin and not replacing him with someone better typical cheapskate Hetherington though. No doubg a crap pointless letter will be coming out soon and yes it is aa bad as it is worst its been since mid 80s patgetic
— Kyle Utterson (@KyleUtterson5) August 6, 2023
One fan joked that the club would resurrect the faith of fans by offering cut price merchandise with the season ‘over’.
Thank God that’s our season over! Can’t wait till tomorrow & we get another discount voucher for the shop!!!
— Mark Sunter (@MarkSunter) August 6, 2023
A sentiment shared by another.
I’ll be keeping hold of my season ticket money for next year. Can’t wait for the GH email about “everything being in hand” and 20% off our 165th kit release of the year
— Gareth Mann (@walrusdentist) August 6, 2023
Others spoke on the decline of the Rhinos.
For over a decade Leeds were the best and biggest club in Super League, I know they made the Grand Final last year but on the whole they’ve been so poor for a number of years now
— Michael Lavelle (@mikelavelle93) August 6, 2023
Warrington Wolves
“He would like that” – Sam Burgess has another dig at Richie Myler
Warrington Wolves
Watch: Sam Burgess and Richie Myler clash in post-match tunnel incident
